Gianluigi Buffon admits he isn’t sure when he will retire after signing a new Parma contract, but will ‘absolutely not’ be targeting an Italy return for the 2022 World Cup.
The goalkeeper turned 44 in January, yet shows no signs of slowing down and recently put pen to paper on a new contract that will hold him to the Stadio Tardini side until June 2024.
Speaking to Goal.com, he was asked if he has made any retirement plans at all.
“I have no idea, it’s not like I have a deadline or a definitive date. As long as I perform like this, feel good and have enthusiasm, I will keep playing.
“The moment any of those elements is lacking, I will leave it behind without problems.”
Considering his performances for Parma in Serie B and the relative lack of other options, could Buffon be part of the Italy squad if they qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
“Absolutely not. I won’t even put myself forward, because I haven’t been part of the Nazionale for four years. Roberto Mancini made a perfectly correct evaluation and that should be respected.
“He’s done great things for the Azzurri, so he and his work should be respected.”
🔴 ESCLUSIVA 🔴
“I Mondiali in Qatar? Assolutamente no” 🗣@gianluigibuffon a GOAL esclude un possibile ritorno in Nazionale 🇮🇹🚫 pic.twitter.com/kKGTgR6Rx3
— GOAL Italia (@GoalItalia) March 9, 2022
Fairly academic, as they won’t qualify anyway.